Expert reveals touching reason King Charles broke protocol for Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour

An expert has weighed in on the heartwarming reason why King Charles broke royal protocol for Kate Middleton at his official birthday parade.

Many were unsure as to whether the Princess of Wales, 42, would make the royal celebrations last weekend (15 June) after her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

However, the princess could be seen alongside Prince William and their three children - Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

To fans' delight, she was pictured arriving at the royal ceremony and joined the family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

It was during this that King Charles made a touching gesture towards Kate, but in doing so, broke royal protocol.

There was a protocol change at Trooping the Colour (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

During the flyover, Kate was seen next to Charles, a change from last year's event when Prince William was pictured next to his father.

No one can be sure whether this was intentional or not, but given both of them are undergoing cancer treatment, it would have been a thoughtful gesture from the King.

Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, has said that as per royal protocol, the Prince and Princess of Wales would traditionally stand together, while King Charles and Queen Camilla would also be next to one another.

He added: “It is planned but it is also changing the protocol to show the King and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles, so I would say this is down to the King’s preference.

"The balcony is all orchestrated but I have a feeling the King said to Kate ‘you stand next to me’."

Last week, Kate put out a statement on social media, giving people an update on her health.

Fans were overjoyed to see Kate at the event (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

She wrote: "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.

"It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.

"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.

“Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”